Women voters seek support of religious, traditional institutions in governance

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The League of Women Voters of Nigeria, (NILOWV) has solicited for the support of traditional and religious institutions in Nigeria to back the inclusion of women in governance.


Mrs Folasade Aransiola, Chairperson of NILOWV, Kwara State Chapter made the call call in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on Tuesday (December 22, 2020) during a one day Town Hall meeting with religious, traditional and community leaders in the state.


Aransiola observed that the girl child is always at the receiving ends and faces various huddles in achieving their goals in life.


Speaking on the theme of the programme: “Issues affecting women in the community: soliciting for inclusion in Governance” NILOWV Chairperson underscored women participation in politics, describing it as very essential and long over due.

She pointed out that religious, traditional and community leadership should be able to balance the equation and ensure women are giving opportunities to realise their dreams and aspirations.


“Women should be given voices and opportunities.


“We need women to be in positions so as to implement laws that are gender friendly. Women are the ones that understand the  pains of their fellow women,” she said.


Aransiola said women are increasingly facing menace of rape cases in the society, adding that the various institutions in the country must come together to champion the cause of women folk.


“This is creating synergy to bring about collaboration for women to have voices at the National and local level,” she said.


Speaking at the occasion, Alh Ganiyu Onijo-Waheed, Administrative Secretary, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kwara noted that the electoral body has created platform for women to attain leadership roles in Nigeria.


“In every promotion exercise, at the Directorship role, a slot is always allocated to women.


“It is a fact that for ages, women have been under men dominance and have been at the brunt of poverty and underdeveloped,” he said.


Waheed added that women are known to be resilient and multi-tasking unlike men.
He insisted that for any country to develop, it must do away with harmful cultural practices that subjugate women into second class citizens.


He advised on the need to sensitize women to have interest in politics, and urge politicians to shun violence in politics so as to interest women.


Dr Samuel Adedayo, the Special Assistant, to Gov Abdurazak Abdulrahaman on Christian Religion said women have the same essence with men but different responsibility.


According to him, women are multi taxing, and that the society must create enabling structure for emancipation of women.
He added that this would serve as check and balances to the excesses of men
On his part, Dr Idris Kankawi, the Chief Imam of Kobiowu Mosque Ilorin said Muslim women who want to be in leadership role, must follow the rules and regulation of Islam.


He observed that the percentage of women in politics in Nigeria is low, while urging stakeholders to ensure women are giving platform in leadership positions.

Ends

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